Cost to Americans for Delay of Columbia Free Trade Agreement

Bill Smith, ARRA News Service: The below tickler estimates the amount of tariffs imposed on American companies by Colombia since the Free Trade Agreement came into being. Columbia pays no tariff (0%) for the following goods imported into the U.S.: Bananas, Coffee, Carrot's, Fresh-cut Flowers. However, U.S. manufacturers must pay tariffs to Columbia for goods they sell to Columbia thereby reducing profits for their companies and reducing potential benefits for their employees. Examples of American exports to Columbia and the tariffs imposed on American goods: Apples (15%), Farm Equipment (10-15%), Fertilizer (15%), soft drinks (Pepsi, Coke, etc. - 20%).

If the new Columbia Free Trade Agreement is approved by Congress these costs to American manufacturers will be eliminated. Although it is expected that this agreement will be approved overwhelmingly in the US. House, Democrat Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi has changed the House rules and delayed a vote on this agreement in hopes of advancing her own personal agenda. One wonders what "under the table" deals she is getting for this delay! It is actions like Pelosi's that cause jobs to be lost in the U.S. If good are not exported by the U.S. to countries like Columbia, then eventually jobs will be exported as America business owners opt to build in companies in countries where they reduce both export and import fees. Another example of Speaker Pelosi not understanding Economics 101.

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